I opened 9 advent calendars for Christmas 2026 — only 1 of them was worth the money
Advent calendars are already on shop shelves. If you're stuck for what to get, we've rounded up some of the best out there for 2026.
Advent calendars have become an increasingly important item of the UK's Christmas shopping season, evolving from a traditional festive countdown into a popular gifting trend. While chocolate remains a firm favourite, today's market offers an extensive choice of calendars covering food, drink, beauty, fashion and lifestyle products.
Traditionally, advent calendars were designed to count down the 24 days until Christmas, with a small numbered door opened each day from December 1 through to Christmas Eve. However, the concept has developed over the years, with retailers and brands introducing increasingly creative and varied offerings. For consumers, advent calendars provide an opportunity to enjoy a daily surprise in the run-up to Christmas.
For brands and retailers, they represent a valuable marketing and retail opportunity, allowing businesses to showcase their products, introduce customers to new ranges and generate excitement and anticipation during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
We’ve rounded up some of the best advent calendars for 2026 - ranging from chocolate to alcohol and a famous celeb’s very own branded calendar. In the list, we have included the price, where you can buy the item, as well as what is included in the calendar.
Finally, I give my verdict out of five on whether it lives up to the price point.
Advent calendars 2026
Reese's Peanut Butter Advent Calendar
Price: £6.80
Where to buy: Available from Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA and Morrisons.
What’s included: Peanut Butter fans can enjoy a delicious peanut butter cup treat behind every door, with an extra-special surprise waiting on day 24. Plus, the on-pack competition gives UK customers the chance to win an Ibiza getaway or one of 250 three-month Spotify subscriptions. Delicious and affordable - great for kids and adults.
My verdict: 4.6
The Flavoured Vodka Advent Calendar
Price: £69.95
Where to buy: Masters of Malt online
What’s included: Packed with 25 30ml wax-sealed samples sourced from a host of top producers, including classic fruit-filled fancies to dessert-inspired delights. Perfect if you are a vodka fan and want to try some different flavours.
My verdict: 4.7/5
The 2026 Hawkstone Advent Calendar
Price: £95
Where to buy: Hawstone online
What’s included: 12x beers, 3x ciders, 4x never-before-seen products, miniature bottles of our gin and vodka, and loads of exclusive Hawkstone merchandise. A lot of products included making it a very heavy calendar. A great way to try Jeremy Clarkson's beer range.
My verdict: 4.6/5
Cocktail Advent Calendar
Price: £79
Where to buy: Moth Drinks online
What’s included: Twenty-four bar strength cocktails including the likes of Espresso Martini, Margarita, Passionfruit Martini, Spicy Margarita, Negroni and more. Some cocktails were nicer than others but a fun way to celebrate the run up to Christmas.
My verdict: 4.4/5
Arran
Price: £90
Where to buy: Arran online
What’s included: There are 25 doors of ARRAN products to discover throughout December. Inside, you’ll find miniatures from their most popular fragrance collections, including After the Rain, Island Dusk, Sannox and Kildonan. Great products for the money, some I had no use for.
My verdict: 4.7/5
Boots 12 Days of Scent Advent Calendar
Price: £90
Where to buy: Boots in-store or online
What’s included: Unwrap 12 fragrance items from the likes of Kayali, Marc Jacobs, NEOM Wellbeing, Maison Louis Marie, plus one full-size fragrance. Delightful products would last for the year and a perfect pocket-size to carry around.
My verdict: 4.6/5
Caffè Nero Advent Calendar
Price: £19.95
Where to buy: Caffe Nero online
Review: 24 capsules across six coffees, including the signature Classico house blend, a decaf Classico, and single origins from Brazil and Colombia. Great for coffee lovers and their morning fix of caffeine. Some were nicer than others.
My verdict: 4.7/5
Lindt Pick & Mix Advent Calendar
Price: £17.50
Where to buy: Lindt online or in-store
What’s included: Why have one chocolate when you can have 24 different flavours? With over 30 varieties to choose from, including the newest LINDOR Cinnamon Roll. A fun and great way to try Lindt flavours, an advent calendar wouldn't be right if there wasn't chocolate involved. This would be my top pick, it is affordable, tasty and great for adults and kids.
My verdict: 4.7/5
Fragrance Lovers Advent Calendar
Price: £59.99
Where to buy: Yankee Candle online
Review: The twenty-four-day countdown to Christmas starts with this festive set featuring 12 seasonal fragrances. Always nice to have a Yankee Candle around the home with some great scents included, making it a cosy, winter atmosphere.
My verdict: 4.9/5
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